Chapter 37

He considered. “Fair enough,” he said. “Then I will decide. And I think it’s best if I try to get up to the road, at least. I’ll set some flares.” He held them up. “And I’ll see if that brown pickup is anywhere nearby – and if it is, I’ll see if there’s anything I can do for the driver.”

She knew he was right in what he planned to do, even though she longed to beg him not to do it. “You won’t go far?” she said, not understanding where this sudden care for him was coming from.

“No,” he replied. “I won’t. My main responsibility is you, to keep you safe and well. You’re the priority.”

She was so grateful to hear him say that – at the same time as she felt deeply ashamed to have gotten them into this awful situation. She had behaved badly on any number of levels and her evening of adventure had somehow gotten completely out of control.

She sent a little prayer to heaven that God would be merciful and protect the man who was only trying to protect her. He added, “